Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has sent a ripple of surprise throughout the royal watching community after she gave a rare and unexpected insight into her family life – and what she expects for the future.
The 55-year-old has been an official member of the inner royal fold for over two decades now, yet her presence has remained relatively low-key as she’s undertaken her duties in a quiet, yet consistent way.
Now, she’s opened up in a way we’ve never seen before in a revealing new interview with The Sunday Times, and suffice to say it’s filled with some incredible insights.
In the interview with the Sunday Times Magazine, Sophie speaks about her family life, and the futures of her two young children, 16-year-old Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, who is 12 years old.
It seems the royal has a very grounded approach when it comes to parenting, telling the publication: “We try to bring them up with the understanding that they are very likely to have to work for a living.”
She continued: “Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.”
Sophie of Wessex has announced that her children will lead non-typical royal lives.
(Getty)She also reiterated her desire for the children to have as normal upbringing as possible.
Both children attend a “regular” school, and are allowed to go around to friends’ houses for sleepovers and parties.
“I guess not everyone’s grandparents live in a castle, but where you are going is not the important part, or who they are. When they are with the Queen, she is their grandmother,” the Countess explained.
Sophie and her 16-year-old daughter, Lady Louise.
(Getty)As for their father, Prince Edward, Sophie said he is “very engaged” both as a royal and in his personal life.
Apparently, he loves to take James out fishing, and does a lot of horse riding with Louise.
Sounds incredibly wholesome to us!
Sophie herself appears to have become quite a prominent royal family member of late.
After the shock announcement that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan would be stepping back as senior royal family members, it looked as though Sophie upped the ante as her name and face became regular fixtures alongside Catherine and William at official events.
But when asked if she had been asked to take on more royal duties since the Sussex departure, Sophie simply said she had been “very busy”.
“People may pay more attention to what I am doing, but I remain as busy as I have ever been.”
She also added that she hopes both Harry and Meghan “will be happy”.
WATCH: Sophie of Wessex shares a special message for parents amid COVID-19. Story continues…
As her family went into quarantine, Sophie made use of her influence by sharing a video giving parents advice for homeschooling their children.
The eloquent royal explained: “For parents and carers, it can be a daunting time to help our children and young people through this period of uncertainty.”
“But please don’t feel alone. Make use of the resources out there and the fantastic digital communities that are sharing them and supporting them. Stay safe and thinking of you all.”
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